Welcome to the foodie-paradise Osaka, rustic Kyoto, bustling Tokyo and snowy Sapporo. These cities aren’t all that close to each other, or even in a different prefecture altogether. If you are coming to Japan post pandemic, there are mosques being established in regions across the country. Other than being places for worship, they also serve a number of community functions, and Muslim travellers to come socialize and for education. As Japan becomes more and more Muslim-friendly over the past years, there have also been great choices for authentic halal Japan cuisine, options for Muslim-friendly accommodations and even places to pray in some malls and attractions. If you are thinking of visiting the mosques while in these Japan cities, let me highlight them for your next trip when travel restrictions are lifted!

Tokyo

Since you have decided to head to Japan one day, there is no better place to start than in the capital city of Tokyo! With plenty of unique neighbourhoods to discover, shopping experiences and plenty of halal dining options, you won’t be bored in this metropolitan spot. I know plenty of guides have recommended going to the busy Shibuya crossing or walking down famous Shinjuku street, but let me suggest these fun and not-so-common activities to do!

• Witness tuna auctions at the biggest fish market in the world! Previously called the Tsukiji Fish Market, the upgraded version Toyosu Fish Market is now twice as large.
• If you visit Tokyo in spring or autumn, then you should not miss the Imperial Palace, where you can soak in the mesmerising sceneries and views of cherry blossoms and orange leaves.
• Have a go at go-kart freely on the streets of Akihabara, while wearing a character onesie of your choice! You can be Super Mario, Winnie the Pooh, or Batman for a day, together with a guide to accompany you if you want.

1 Tokyo Camii

Address: 1-19 Ōyamachō, Shibuya City, Tōkyō-to 151-0065, Japan

2 Darul Arqam Mosque (Asakusa)

Address: Masjid Darul Arqam 1-9-12 Hihashi Asakusa Taito-ku Tokyo 111-0025 Tokyo Japan

3 Masjid Assalam Okachimachi (Ueno)

Address: 4 Chome-6-7 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan

4 Otsuka Mosque

Address: Otsuka Masjid 3-42-7 Minami Otsuka Toshima-Ku Tokyo 170-0005 Tokyo

5 Hiroo Mosque

Address: Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

6 Masjid Al-Tawheed

Address: Bldg. 36-6 Hiraoka-cho Hachioji-shi Tokyo 192-0061 Tokyo Japan

7 Prayer room @ Takashimaya Shinjuku

Address: Takashimaya Shinjuku Store, Tokyo 151-8580, Japan

8 Prayer Room @ Narita Airport

Address: Narita International Airport (NRT), 1-1 Furugome, Narita-shi, Chiba-ken 282-0004, Japan

#ASingaporeanAbroad Tip: Some tourist information halls, malls and halal eateries may offer prayer facilities as well! For example, Origami Asakusa has prayer rooms and wudu’ facilities, Sakura Cafe (Shinjuku) too and attractions like Tokyo DisneySea DECKS Tokyo Beach Mall. Just remember to pack your prayer garment along.

Osaka

Thanks to the country’s convenient and well-connected train network, you can discover so many more cities and that includes Osaka, Japan’s second biggest city! Personally for me, I prefer Osaka than the capital as it was less busy and much more fun activities to do.

• Shop till you drop at Shinsai Bashi-Suji, which is up to 600 metres long! It’s lined with branded shops, independent boutiques and interesting stalls like Pokemon and . I’m kidding about shopping till you drop, I think none of us here would do that at this shopping street. It’s more soaking in the sights and sounds of this street.
• For some culture and history, visit the majestic landmark Osaka Castle! It was originally built in 1583. For panoramic views of the city, take the lift up to the 8th floor!
• For some family-friendly experiences, go on a Tombori River Cruise.
• Animal lovers can spend a quiet afternoon with the wild deers in Nara Park – no admission fee here.
• Unleash your inner Harry Potter at an Owl Cafe.

8 Osaka Masjid

Address: 4-12-16 Owada, Nishiyodogawa Ward, Osaka, 555-0032, Japan

9 Prayer Place Shinsaibashi

Address: 1 Chome-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Ch??-ku, ?saka-shi, ?saka-fu 542-8501, Japan

10 Takashimaya Osaka Floor BF1

5 Chome-1-60 Nanba, Ch??-ku, ?saka-shi, ?saka-fu 542-0076, Japan

Sapporo, Hokkaido

A wonderland surrounded by beautiful Sakura, snow and ski trails, Hokkaido is a famous province in Japan, even for locals. It’s no wonder that many Muslim travellers come here especially in winter, when it is so enchanting and picturesque, leaving you with the most beautiful sights your eyes will see. Here are some of the top things and activities to do in Sapporo, Hokkaido:

• Visit the mesmerizing Blue Pond, just outside the hot spring town of Shirogane Onsen. It feels like you’ve just stepped into the wallpaper of your computer.
• If you’re into skiing, Mount Teine is the place to be! The ski resort here caters to beginners as well as advanced skiers.
• Retreat to a sanctuary at Odori Park especially in autumn when you can observe the seasonal changes.
• Visit the Curb Market is not to be missed especially if you are a big seafood lover like me! An excellent way to explore Japanese food culture, the delicacies you need to try are salmon roe and sea urchin. 

11 Sapporo Masjid

Address: Yubinbango001-0014 Sapporo, Hokkaido 3-chome 7th Kita-kuKita 14 Nishi

Kyoto

known for its numerous imperial palaces, gardens, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers more than just a getaway – it promises a slice of the authentic Japanese experience. Once the capital of Japan, this city is often overshadowed by the above mentioned three cities. Come to this underrated city and uncover the most beautiful sights and attractions:

• Fushimi Inasi-taisha Shrine dates back all the way from 711 A.D.
• Nishiki Market is easily the best traditional market in the city. With over 100 stalls and shops lining the narrow lane, it offers an eclectic mixture of produce, snacks and souvenirs.
• During the spring season, then Maruyama Park is the place to be. Be prepared to be mesmerised by the  spectacular display of blooming cherry blossoms.
• After visiting Kyoto Mosque, you could also drop by the city’s Gyoen National Garden. Learn a bit of history as you walk amongst the former palace structures.

12 Kyoto Mosque (Islamic Culture Centre)

Address: RiverSide Kojinguchi 1F, 92, Miyagaki-cho, Kawaramachi Kojinguchi-Agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan

It is a 6 Minute Walk from Jingu Marutamachi Station (Keihan railway).

If you take a bus, it is only a 2 Minute Walk from Kojinguchi bus stop.

There are plenty of places around Japan to pray at while travelling, from the capital to underrated cities like Kyoto and Sapporo. If you’ve never thought of visiting any of these four cities yet, it’s time to open your mind to new possibilities when the pandemic is over and the travel bans are lifted!